Spicy Peanut Tofu Stir-Fry with Snow Peas and Shiitake Mushrooms
Indulge in this vibrant and flavorful Spicy Peanut Tofu Stir-Fry, which brings together protein-rich extra firm tofu and a medley of colorful vegetables, including crisp snow peas and earthy shiitake mushrooms, all enveloped in a creamy, spicy peanut sauce. This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious, making it a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner. Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal that feels both indulgent and healthy.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra firm tofu
1 (14 ounce) package (drained and cut into 1-inch cubes)
canola oil
2 teaspoons
snow peas
3/4 lb (trimmed)
red bell pepper
1 cup (sliced into strips)
water
3/4 cup (divided)
green onion
1/2 cup (sliced)
fresh ginger
2 teaspoons (peeled and minced)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
shiitake mushrooms
3 cups (sliced (about 8 ounces))
reduced sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons
creamy peanut butter
2 tablespoons
cornstarch
1 teaspoon
sriracha sauce
2 teaspoons
salt
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Begin by draining the tofu: place the cubes on several layers of paper towels and cover them with additional towels. Allow them to stand for about 5 minutes to absorb excess moisture.
2
In a large nonstick skillet, heat the canola oil over medium-high heat.
3
Add the drained tofu cubes to the pan and cook for approximately 7 minutes, gently turning occasionally, until they're lightly browned on all sides. Once cooked, remove the tofu from the skillet and keep warm on the side.
4
In the same skillet, add the snow peas, bell pepper, 1/4 cup of water, green onions, minced ginger, and garlic. Stir-fry this mixture for about 3 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
5
Next, add the sliced shiitake mushrooms to the skillet and continue stir-frying for an additional 2 minutes until they start to cook down.
6
In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of water, soy sauce, peanut butter, cornstarch, sriracha, and salt. Stir this mixture well until smooth.
7
Pour the peanut sauce mixture into the skillet, then add the cooked tofu back in. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
8
Remove from heat and serve warm over your choice of rice or noodles, or enjoy it chilled for a lighter meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in this recipe?
The main protein used is one 14-ounce package of extra firm tofu, drained and cut into 1-inch cubes.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this Spicy Peanut Tofu Stir-Fry is vegan-friendly as it utilizes plant-based proteins and vegetables.
How long should I drain the tofu?
You should allow the tofu cubes to stand on paper towels for about 5 minutes to absorb excess moisture.
How long does it take to brown the tofu?
The tofu should be cooked in a skillet for approximately 7 minutes until lightly browned on all sides.
What kind of oil is used for frying?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of canola oil.
What vegetables are included in this stir-fry?
The dish includes snow peas, red bell pepper, green onions, and shiitake mushrooms.
How do I prepare the fresh ginger?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of fresh ginger that has been peeled and minced.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 2 garlic cloves, minced.
What provides the spice in the sauce?
The heat comes from 2 teaspoons of sriracha sauce mixed into the peanut base.
What type of peanut butter is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter.
How do you thicken the stir-fry sauce?
The sauce is thickened using 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with the liquid ingredients.
Can this dish be served cold?
Yes, the stir-fry can be enjoyed chilled for a lighter meal or served warm.
What are the serving suggestions for this recipe?
It is recommended to serve this stir-fry over rice or noodles.
How much snow peas should I use?
You will need 3/4 pound of trimmed snow peas.
When do I add the shiitake mushrooms?
Add the shiitake mushrooms after stir-frying the other vegetables for 3 minutes, then cook for 2 more minutes.
How much soy sauce is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of reduced sodium soy sauce.
What is the total amount of water used?
A total of 3/4 cup of water is used, divided into 1/4 cup for the vegetables and 1/2 cup for the sauce.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 14 ingredients listed for this Spicy Peanut Tofu Stir-Fry.
What size should the tofu be cut into?
The tofu should be cut into 1-inch cubes.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is described as a perfect choice for a quick weeknight dinner.
How much red bell pepper is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of red bell pepper sliced into strips.
How many shiitake mushrooms are used?
You will need 3 cups of sliced shiitake mushrooms, which is about 8 ounces.
What is the purpose of the cornstarch?
Cornstarch is used to help the peanut sauce thicken when cooked in the skillet.
How much green onion should be sliced?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of sliced green onions.
What temperature should the skillet be?
The skillet should be heated over medium-high heat.
How much salt is added to the sauce?
The recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Can I substitute the tofu?
While the recipe specifies extra firm tofu, you could likely substitute other proteins, though it would change the flavor profile.
Is the tofu cooked separately from the vegetables?
Yes, the tofu is browned first, removed from the pan, and then added back once the sauce is ready.
How long do the vegetables stir-fry before adding mushrooms?
The initial vegetables stir-fry for approximately 3 minutes.
What makes this dish healthy?
It is described as a nutritious meal full of protein-rich tofu and various colorful vegetables.